Public Campaign Fund Bill Clears Committee

TALLAHASSEE — A proposal to spend public money to help finance campaigns for governor and Cabinet offices cleared the House Appropriations Committee Monday by a 26 to 5 vote.

The bill (HB 1194) is the pet project of House Speaker James Harold Thompson, D-Gretna, and is expected to pass easily in the lower chamber. Its future is less certain in the Senate, where President Harry Johnston has remained noncommittal.

The bill is expected to cost taxpayers about $10 million to $12 million every four years. Candidates participating in the program would have to agree to a spending limit and could count only contributions of $250 or less from individuals as eligible for state matching funds.

The limit would be determined based on the number of votes cast in the previous election. If applied this year, candidates for governor would be held to just over $2 million. Those for Cabinet offices could spend $672,000.

Republicans have expressed opposition to the bill, claiming it is an inappropriate use of taxpayers' money.

''If you're a credible candidate for governor or the Cabinet, you'll be able to raise the money you need,'' said Rep. Tom Gallagher, R-Coconut Grove, who is running for governor.

Others have said public financing would encourage too many people to run for office. ''I don't think we should provide that type of funding for someone to jump in on a lark,'' said Rep. Frank Messersmith, R-Lake Worth.

House leaders note that the public financing plan requires candidates to raise 5 percent of the spending limit on their own to prove that they are viable candidates. Additionally, they say that elections have gotten too expensive.

Rep. Bud Gardner, D-Titusville, said he believes passing the bill is one of the most important steps the Legislature can take. It makes running for office ''available to the average person, the person of average means,'' he said.